The Arc of Delaware Celebrates Successes at Awards Dinner

On June 14th The Arc of Delaware County recognized those who have inspired others through personal perseverance and individual growth and an individual who embodies the spirit of being a good neighbor. This Annual Membership Meeting and Achievement Awards Ceremony was attended by members, staff, special guests, Officers and Directors to celebrate these successes and to elect new Officers and Board Members for the upcoming term. 

Officers and Directors were sworn in to office by Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor, who has been a long time Member and supporter of The Arc of Delaware County. Officers for the 2013-2014 terms are: President, Robin Evanitsky; Vice President, Ira McIntosh; Secretary, Sandra Bullis; Treasurer, Lee Marigliano. Directors for the 2013-2015 terms include: Thomas Banks, Mary Jane Giarrusso-Wilkin, Bonnie Martin, Robert Rothenberg, Nat Thomas, and James Warren. They join Lori Cetta, Gerda van Leeuwen, and Ruth Vitale, whose two year director terms expire in 2014. 

Award winners received “Shining Star” trophies from Delarc and were honored with congratulatory speeches from Assemblywoman Claudia Tenny and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch’s Chief of Staff, Kathleen Moore. Certificates of Recognition were provided from both Assemblywoman Tenny and Assemblyman Crouch as well as from Senator John Bonacic.    

Award winners included Carousel Children’s Services’ (CCS) McKenzie Barnes who received her Outstanding Achievement Award for exceptional progress in developmental and social skills during the 2 years she has been attending the CCS program.

The Outstanding Achievement award winners of the adult programs were chosen by a group of their peers based on personal qualities and accomplishments they observed. 

The Outstanding Achievement Award winners in the adult programs include: Community Living Skills, Arkville- Gary Kain; Community Living Skills, Walton- James Jenks; Residential Services-Doris Knowles; Resources For Industry- Jean Borget; THRIVE- Warren Stelter.

Another award included the Father Eugene Willis Good Neighbor Award which celebrates people who embody the spirit of being kind and neighborly and supports the involvement of people with disabilities in their community. The recipient of this year’s award was Dave Bailey of Hamden, NY. Dave is the owner, operator of Hamden Auto Services and has shared his love of auto repair and restoration with two gentlemen, Francis and Warren, with whom he has developed genuine friendships. He has gone beyond being simply a teacher of auto repair, encouraging Francis and Warren to meet new people, explore their communities, and develop their personal interests. He shares a passion for snowmobiling with Warren and has invited him on several outings including competing together in racing events. When Warren participated in the tractor pull at the Delaware County Fair last year Dave attended to cheer Warren on.  

And Dave never forgets birthdays and other important events. Francis Schulz shared, “He helps me work on cars and has taught me lots of things. He made me like a part of the garage team. On my birthday (Dave) came to RFI and had lunch with me. When I am with him I get to meet new people and be a part of the community. I consider Dave a good friend.”

To learn how you can become a part of The Arc of Delaware County as a volunteer or employee, visit our website at: www.delarc.org. To view photos of the “2013 Membership Meeting and Awards Dinner”, click to view more photos of this event http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/ .

ANCOR NAMES HEIDI FRIEDMAN AS 2013 DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR FOR NEW YORK STATE

The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recently recognized Heidi Friedman of The Arc of Delaware County’s Community Living Skills program in Arkville as the 2013 Direct Support Professional of the Year for New York at their Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.  “We at The Arc of Delaware County are very proud of Heidi.  With this award we celebrate her dedication, knowledge, and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities here in Delaware County and across the nation.” said Catherine Tweedie, Director of Community Relations.

 

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide a rich mosaic of daily support services for the many Americans with disabilities. These DSPs are integral in helping people with disabilities participate in their communities and lead full and independent lives.

 

“Most Americans are not aware of the critical work DSPs do every day and the essential role they play in the social and economic life of communities across the country,” said Dave Toeniskoetter, president of ANCOR. “We want to make sure DSPs like Ms. Friedman are recognized for the difficult but inspiring work they do every day.”

 

“DSPs are on the front lines supporting people with disabilities and ensuring those individuals are granted full inclusion in their communities,” said Renee Pietrangelo, CEO of ANCOR. “It is absolutely essential that individuals, like Heidi Friedman, are given the recognition and respect they deserve.”

 

ANCOR’s Direct Support Professional Recognition Award is given to those who personify the values of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign, which works to ensure a well-trained and sustainable direct support workforce. Nominees are judged on the work they’ve done to build social networks, substantive community participation and advocating for the people they serve.

 

The Arc of Delaware County, where Heidi is employed, is a not for profit organization providing community based supports and services to over 300 children and adults with disabilities.  It is one of the largest employers in Delaware County with a workforce of nearly 200.  It is a Chapter of NYSARC, Inc., and is affiliated with The Arc of the U.S., and ANCOR. For more information about The Arc of Delaware County, visit www.delarc.org

Read additional news about Heidi and her award as published in The Daily Star on 5/21/13 by visiting Area Life Coach Wins State Recognition

The ANCOR is a national trade association representing more thanwww.ancor.org.

800 private providers of community living and employment supports and services to more than 400,000 individuals with disabilities. As a nonprofit organization, ANCOR successfully addresses the needs and interests of private providers before Congress and federal agencies, continually advocating for the crucial role private providers play in enhancing and supporting the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Through its National Advocacy Campaign, ANCOR seeks to obtain the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. ANCOR provides organization, professional, leadership development and networking opportunities and services and is continually working toward partnerships and collaborations that advance our vision, mission and goals. Its prime goal is to be the indispensable leader, resource and advocate for a diverse private disability services network that ensures full citizenship and engaged community participation for people with disabilities of all ages. For more information about ANCOR, visit

 

 

Mutually Rewarding- SUNY Delhi Students Connect with Delarc

For several years, SUNY Delhi and The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) have partnered together to develop opportunities for both students at SUNY Delhi and people with disabilities. Friendship, learning, and experience have been the mutual rewards of this partnership.

Olivia Nicholson, a Liberal Arts student, completed a Service Learning Project at Delarc’s Community Living Skills facility in Walton. And Alexandra Rogers, an Early Childhood Education student participated in an internship at Delarc’s Carousel Children’s Services (CCS) which is located at the SUNY Delhi Campus Child Care Center (DC4).

During her Service Learning Project, Olivia developed a strong bond with Tina Osadca.  Olivia shared, “I have a wonderful time with Tina.  I am so glad I met her, she has honestly become someone that I care about and think of often. It wasn't just a relationship built because of a service learning project, it was a mutual connection between two people because I can honestly say I enjoy every moment with Tina and it is real. We talk, we smile we laugh a lot together.” “I never would have thought I would bond with someone so strongly, and I bonded with a lot of people at Delarc because everyone is all so cool in their own way.”

Olivia wrote a letter to Tina illustrated with photos and pictures to commemorate their time together and celebrate their friendship. You can view photos of her letter at our Flickr site or click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157633496154811/

Alexandra Rogers has been an intern at CCS since October 2012. She shared her internship goals were to learn the basics of being a teacher in a classroom with special needs children.  She also wanted to learn more about autism and how autistic children interact with non autistic children.

She shared: “I have learned how important it is to be a positive and happy role model. I learned how to help children get out of their tantrum mode and also how to prevent tantrums. Being positive 100% of the time is a big thing I learned because your mood affects a child’s mood. Reinforcement is also a huge part of what I learned. “ “I have also learned a lot from the autistic children in the classroom. I learned that more enclosed chairs help to keep them calm and still. Also the use of a weighted spoon helps the child figure out his boundaries and put pressure on the weak bones. I learned how important it is to make them feel important. Some children came in the classroom in the morning in a bad mood. If you show them attention and love such as giving hugs it can really go a long way.” You can view photos of Alexandra working with the children at CCS on our Flickr site or click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157633512297914/

Kevin Keeps Kids Fit at Andes Central School

Kevin Allen has been given the title of “Volunteer Assistant Coach” at Andes Central School. Kevin loves sports and working with the children in K-1^st grades during gym class. He independently sets up and supervises games as well as leads the exercise class. The coach says, “Kevin is just phenomenal”. When he arrives at school the children flock to him.
To view more photos of Kevin and his class visit our Flickr site by clicking here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157633486075759/
 

Comedy and Magic Delights Crowd

Henry Kamp and Chester Delamater (Chee Chee) have teamed together to produce a comedy and magic act that delighted the audience at Delarc’s Hamden, NY facility on 4/11. This is the 2nd time they have entertained together, the first being at the Senior Meals site in Walton, NY. 

For years, Henry has loved being a comedian and delighted audiences at several events in both in Delarc and at other venues in Delaware County.  Chester Delameter also known as Chee Chee the Clown is a well known performer in our area and learned about Henry and his interest in entertaining while performing at Delarc. For the 18 months Chester has shared his expertise with Henry on presentation and costume design while Henry has become an important part of the act with his comedic repartee. Chester said it was great working with Henry.  “He comes up with things that really work well and we enjoy bouncing jokes back and forth to each other.”

To view more photos visit our Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157633229390428/

The Joy of Giving Makes Life Worth Living -Celebrating President's Project Week 3/25-3/31

Several individuals from The Arc of Delaware County have been volunteering and giving back to their communities for many years.

Rhonda Reynolds assists at the Stamford Library on a weekly basis, helping to shelve the returned books and keep things organized and looking great! Rhonda enjoys both the work and the close personal connections she has made at the library. She loves baking cookies and bringing them in to share. The staff at the library ensures that Rhonda's birthday is a special day when they celebrate it together.

Kevin Allen has been given the title of “Volunteer Assistant Coach” at Andes Central School. Kevin loves sports and working with the children in K-1^st grades during gym class. He independently sets up and supervises games as well as leads the exercise class. The coach says, “Kevin is just phenomenal”. When he arrives at school the children flock to him. Also a sports lover, Thomas Ferrante volunteers at Margaretville Central School. The third grade and middle school children look forward to his enthusiastic participation and assistance in their gym program every Friday.

Sharing their love of reading Tina Cawley and Jennifer Gugliotti read to children at South Kortright and Sidney Central Schools. Tina enjoys not only reading to the children but assisting the teacher with activities related to the story. The teacher had enjoyed having Tina assist in the classroom so much that she contacted Arc staff to ensure that Tina would return to her class the following school year.  Jennifer develops an activity for the children based on a story that the teacher has selected; she assembles and brings all of the materials with her to class and loves helping the children with the activity after she finishes reading the story.

In addition to individual efforts, self advocates combine their efforts to support both local and world communities. Each month over 20 people attend Self Advocacy meetings to conduct a variety of activities, including planning and implementing fund raisers.  Funds raised have benefited communities near and far, such as local flood victims and the Wheelchair Foundation which provides wheelchairs for people in need throughout the world.

These are just a few examples of the many ways people are contributing their gifts of time and talent to their communities. Volunteerism is a meaningful and important part of the lives of individuals from The Arc of Delaware County, we love to give and get much personal satisfaction in return!

 

 

Winners of the "Everybody Can" Contest Announced



The months of March and April have long been nationally recognized as Developmental Disability Awareness month and Autism Awareness month respectively, but students in Delaware County have been working for several months on raising their awareness in these areas thanks in part to a contest hosted by The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) and Delta kappa Gamma. For the past 3 years Delarc and Delta Kappa Gama have teamed together to provide a challenge to students in the form of a competition known as the “Everybody Can” contest. The goal is to encourage Delaware County children in grades K-8 to learn more about developmental disabilities utilizing a variety of resources, and then create projects that demonstrate what they have learned. While the prize money awarded to the contest winners is enthusiastically received, the ultimate reward is that of the heart- as empathy, understanding, and appreciation of people with disabilities. This contest is meant to support development of these traits at a young age which will serve them well throughout their lives.



 

The Everybody Can contest was open to all Delaware County Elementary and Middle schools. Each participating school chose their top 3 winning projects which are then submitted for consideration in a county-wide competition in three categories: Class Projects from grades K-4, class projects from grades 5-8, and individual and small group projects from grades 5-8.

 The County Wide K-4 winner was Mrs. Feltman’s 3rd grade class from South Kortright Central School. The students wrote and illustrated a book “Autism A-Z” based on what they learned while researching the topic of Autism.  In addition to their cash prize, they will enjoy a special interactive presentation at their school from The Arc of Delaware County and Delta Kappa Gamma.

 The County Wide Grade 5-8 Class project was won by Mrs.Liddle’s 6th Grade Class from South Kortright Central School for a banner that they created “Everybody has the ability to be GREAT at something”.  The banner emphasizes abilities and how people can achieve their dreams regardless of whether they have a disability.  In addition to their cash prize, Mrs. Liddle’s class will enjoy a trip to visit The Arc of Delaware County to participate in the “Share, Learn, Grow” mentorship program.  This one-day program pairs students with people supported by Delarc who serve as their guides and mentors throughout the various activities of the day. One student wrote after their visit last year, “It was a good experience working with people that do everyday things just in a different way” And another shared, “I really had a wonderful time at Delarc. My mentor Tina and I had a lot of fun!”

The County Wide individual and small group category had 3 winners.  First place was awarded to Faith Dianich, Sonia Reeves, and Emily Feltman from South Kortright Central School who worked together to write and illustrate a book about a boy who is blind and was initially avoided at a new school, but later became admired for his abilities and strengths.  Receiving 2nd place in this category was Demitri Jaramack from Franklin Central School for his essay on developmental disabilities affecting both people that he knows and famous individuals.  Third place winners were Kaitlynn Hall and Michaela Valkavich from Andes Central School for creating a display board themed “Ability is a state of mind. It is a can do attitude!” and a large puzzle emphasizing, “Everyone Fits In”.

To learn more about the “Share Learn Grow Program” which is available to all Delaware County grade 5-8 classes, call 607-865-7126 ext. 139.